31 Things You Can Do to Be Happier and Healthier in 2019

Congratulations—you’ve made it through 2018. This past year, you learned how to achieve emotional maturity, bought your first house, and even started a retirement plan—or perhaps you got that promotion or started your own company. It was a big year, and you deserve a hearty pat on the back. But you’re not done yet. The New Year is the perfect time to assess and go after new goals. You probably have a loose sense of what you want to achieve, but the best New Year's resolutions are a bit more specific than that.

In fact, when goals are too broad, they can be more difficult to imagine, let alone sustain.

Instead, we’ve come up with a solution that makes resolutions a little more approachable and a lot more inspiring. Starting today for every day of January, we’ll be posting a new goal to help inspire possibilities in every aspect of your life. From improving your mental wellness to finally booking that solo Euro trip, these New Year's resolution ideas—however small—will help you start off January on the right foot and with all the right tools. You have 31 days to kick off the first month and pave the way to a happier, healthier 2019. Let’s make the most of them.

January 1: Reflect and Set Your Intentions

Fashion Me Now

Take advantage of New Year’s Day by organizing your thoughts vis-à-vis bullet journaling. Or opt for long-form if there’s a lot on your mind. The benefits of journaling are endless, from emotional healing to creative inspiration. If you haven’t ever kept a personal journal, start by asking yourself what worked in 2017 and what didn’t—what do you want to take with you, and what do you want to leave behind? Get into the writing groove by making a list of what you learned this year.

Don’t worry about lofty, empirical goals or resolutions just yet. A rough to-do list is a great place to start. If you gather your thoughts about what you want (however small or big), you can figure out what your next steps should be. And when you initiate this conversation with yourself, the only rule is to have candor and transparency. No one else has to see your notes, so journal away!

January 2: Clean Out the Fridge

Elizabeth Roberts

If you’re serious about living a healthier life in 2017, make things easier by getting rid of anything unhealthy in the kitchen so you won’t be tempted. Between all the delivery orders you’ve placed to escape the cold and the holiday parties you’ve attended (or hosted), your fridge is probably full of treats and forgotten mystery sauces. If you haven’t done a thorough cleanup since last New Year’s, now’s the time to take on the challenge.

If you have a low tolerance for the smell of soon-to-be-rotten food, this task is particularly unpleasant. But it’s a lot easier if you have a plan of action. Tackle it one shelf at a time, keep a trash bag on deck, and light a candle to counteract any stink. Before you place your keepers back inside the fridge, wipe down all surfaces with cleaning product and a lint-free towel. Now you can say hello to a shiny new home for those superfoods you’ve been meaning to try (jackfruit, we’re looking at you). Or if you’re interested in a detox, we suggest the soup cleanse.

January 3: Find a Stress-Management System

Reid Rolls for MyDomaine

Before you set out to pursue new challenges, make sure your stress levels are in check by figuring out how to cope with life’s biggest pressures. Developing better ways to manage stressful situations will ultimately allow you to achieve the rest of your goals this year. First, determine how stress and anxiety manifest themselves in your daily life. Do they make you feel angry or aloof? Immobile or impatient? Sad or jittery? Next, find the right platform to channel those emotions.

That could mean trying a one-minute breathing exercise every day, practicing a full hour of yoga, going on a run, or trying a coloring book (for adults). There’s a different stress-management tool for everyone, so set aside some time to find yours. To get you started, here are four quick ways to get rid of stress.

January 4: Plan aTrip to a Place on Your Bucket List

Adenorah

So the holiday vacation has come and gone. Whether you stayed home or treated yourself to the getaway of your dreams, chances are you’ll need another break at some point this year. To ensure you spend your precious downtime doing something exciting, plan ahead. If you don’t have a travel bucket list yet, start doing some research to figure out what types of trips and destinations excite you. This will make the planning process fun rather than stressful since there’s a payoff in sight. If you already have a travel bucket list, figure out which destinations you can feasibly visit in the coming months by following the steps below.

Start by physically laying out a 2017 calendar as a visual aid while you consider the best time to take vacation days. This foresight is crucial so you can actually enjoy your vacation. While you choose the time to take your trip, make sure you also look into the best time of the year to visit your destination of choice. Next, you’ll need to map out finances. From accommodations to transportation and spending money on extras, make sure you consider everything while writing out your budget. And if your vacation goals end up seeming like they’d blow your budget, start saving your money in advance.

Alternatively, figure out what parts of the trip are worth the splurge, and then cut back on the things that won’t make or break your trip.

January 5 : Get Involved With a Meaningful Cause

Natalie Off Duty

Get serious about giving back to a cause or community in 2017. Find a nonprofit organization or agency you really believe in and get ready to engage with it. Do you have a passion for education equality? Try Reading Partners or The Girl Effect. Environmentalism? Look into the Sierra Club. Or take on a more nuanced approach that caters to your specific passions, priorities, and concerns. For example, if you strongly believe in food justice, sign up for a community garden plot within a food desert.

As a result of being passionate and well informed, you’ll find more meaning in the experience and thereby have a greater impact on the community in need.

January 6: Say No to Toxic Relationships

Christian Vierig/Getty Images

Sometimes we need to remind ourselves that self-respect and personal growth are integral to our health and happiness. As such, they should take priority. With the weekend approaching, it’s a perfect time to reflect on relationships. Since you can only control your own behavior, it’s important to invest in the people who make you behave like your best self. That being said, the most difficult part of cutting out toxic relationships is being able to see the toxicity to begin with. Pro tip: Look for patterns in this person’s behavior; if they repeatedly put you down, discourage you, or take advantage of your generosity, it’s probably time to say good riddance.

On the other hand, be honest with yourself and ask if your own expectations are fair.

Once you identify which relationships are toxic, you can take action to make effective changes. It’s up to you whether you slowly distance yourself to create temporary space or if you want to initiate a direct conversation. With the latter, make your intentions clear but don’t expect the other person to have a happy reaction. Regardless, try your best to be diplomatic about it, especially if you share a lot of mutual friends. This requires much patience and mental strength, but in the end, the reward is that you free yourself of this person to be a healthier, happier version of yourself.

Plus, you’ll have more time to foster other relationships and put the fun back in friendship.

January 7: Opt for a Book Instead of TV

Justin Coit for MyDomanie

If you’ve spent a weekend watching an entire season of television (we’ve all been there), there’s a reason you felt more sluggish than you did before the binge session. According to a study from the University of South Carolina, sedentary behavior slows down your metabolism and circulation. To feel well rested after your downtime, opt for an activity that keeps you mentally engaged, relaxed, and entertained without sacrificing your health. Instead of watching three episodes of an hour-long show, spend one hour reading and another catching up with a friend, take 30 minutes to get organized, and use the last half-hour to get some fresh air.

To stay committed, make sure to give yourself a reading deadline so you’re able to finish a book every week or two. If you need structure, try joining a book club.

January 8: Learn a Healthy Cocktail Recipe

Minimalist Baker

When it comes to healthy living, you don’t have to cut out all the fun stuff. Enjoying a cocktail here and there is fine—especially if you make it a nutritious one. Having a healthy cocktail is the most effortless adjustment you can make without compromising your lifestyle. In Goop’s newest wellness book, Goop Clean Beauty, Frank Lipman, MD, recommends opting for drinks that have smaller serving sizes but higher alcohol content (i.e., limit the beer and wine).

Another MyDomaine-approved secret? Skip the sugary tonics and reach for seltzer or soda water instead. For flavor, forget juice, syrup, and soda, but feel free to be heavy-handed when it comes to fresh squeezes of citrus. Try Minimalist Baker’s delicious alternative that calls for antioxidant-rich hibiscus tea, tequila, a squeeze of lime, ice, and a dash of agave, if you insist. Oh, and we can definitely get behind that hot pink hue. Cheers!

January 9:Make Time to Keep Up With News

Melodie Jeng/Getty Images

If you want to be more productive while you work, consider giving your desk a makeover. The key is to make sure your environment is conducive to both creative projects and detail-oriented tasks. This balance can be tricky to achieve, so we decided to call on Arends, also a graphic designer, for some stylish solutions. She says to start by thinking about the essentials, which in today’s digital age usually means technology. Laptops, cell phones, and smartwatches can be more distracting than helpful, but they can be legitimate tools if you learn to stay on task.

Arends uses her Fossil Q Smartwatch to help her stay organized and be more efficient. Her favorite features are email notifications, which allow her to read a quick email without digging for her phone, and calendar alerts, which keep her schedule organized.

Next, focus on your desk décor. Start by making two piles: one of the items you want to keep and the other of things you want to toss. Arends’s rule of thumb? “If it’s not something you use every day, put it out of sight.” Sort through any loose papers first. If they’re important documents, tuck them away in a filing cabinet, and recycle the rest. Opt to display items that are both stylish and practical, like a chic notebook, a water pitcher, a pen holder, noise-canceling headphones, or a small plant.

Another cause of clutter is loose cords. Since we can’t go totally wireless yet, Arends suggests, “using Velcro ties and a little bit of colorful washi tape”—which will ensure your cords are a little more pleasing to the eye.

January 10: Organize Your Desk for a More Productive Day

Wit & Delight

Not everyone likes to keep up with the news, especially those who are busy or get overwhelmed by negative media coverage. That being said, staying informed with current events has a ton of rewards (yes, it can actually be fun). Or, if you read sections that pique your interest, you can become an expert in a new field, putting you on a successful track to building your career. The type of thinking involved will also keep your brain sharp and your memory robust.

Beyond that, learning about distant parts of the world or communities outside of your own will help you understand your role as a global citizen. Make things easier by downloading an app like Quartz so you can check it on your phone during your commute. Alternatively, listen to NPR while you drive, subscribe to The New York Times, and sign up for TheSkimm’s e-newsletter, which makes dense content cheeky and engaging. For more culturally focused satirical articles, The Onion is a favorite, and The New Yorker’s opinion pieces and fiction sections are top-notch.

January 11: Switch Up Your Dating Routine

Natalie Off Duty

Are you coupled up, casually dating, or happily single? Regardless of whether you’re committed to a partner or your sofa, consider shaking up your routine without necessarily changing your relationship status. Perhaps that means going on a dating cleanse if you feel drained or enjoy being single, planning an adventurous day with your partner, or simply downloading a dating app if you’ve been afraid to get back out there after a hiatus or breakup.

Here are a few outside-the-box ideas and adventures to get your plans going: Head to an art exhibit, hike to a lookout point, organize a divey bar hop, or check out a performance—anything from a poetry slam to an escape room or a comedy show, an edgy concert, or a classic symphony. Whether you decide to do an activity with your significant other, on first date, or for a solo ride, make sure you choose something that’s the polar opposite of what you’d normally do.

January 12: Create a Financial Plan to Start Saving

Take Aim

Because socializing often involves some degree of spending, it’s difficult to prioritize your savings account while also saying yes to every invitation that pops up. If you want to create a financial plan that helps you save and also allows for a robust social life, you’re in the right place. First, identify your budget by writing down your monthly income, and then tally your fixed expenses. Next, deduct the latter from the former. Then plan out your social calendar to see what you can comfortably spend on while also having enough leftover to save.

Considering the budget you’ve calculated, mark the catch-up sessions, dates, and group dinners you can’t miss in your personal calendar. Leave flexibility for “me” time and spontaneous invitations that may arise. To minimize spending, suggest a cheaper restaurant or opt for Uber Pool instead of UberX on a night out. If something is simply out of your budget, power through the FOMO by planning a low-cost activity. For example, if Coachella is unaffordable, go on a hike with others who aren’t going either, and plan a fun potluck or house party.

Reward yourself with something special that costs a fraction of the price. The amount you transfer to your savings account can be as small or large as your budget allows—just make sure you maintain the habit when you get your paycheck.

January 13: Explore Your Hobbies to Maximize Your Free Time

Wit & Delight

If you aren’t sure where to begin, look for a class or workshop in your area. Ideas include signing up for watercolor lessons, taking a guided meditation class, or joining a book club. A word of advice: You’ll look forward to practicing your hobby of choice even more if you put together a playlist that puts you in a joyful mood. Whatever you decide to take up this year, remember that it’s incredibly important to keep flexing those creative muscles (even ones you didn’t know you had). After all, being creative and making time for hobbies has real payoffs; new challenges encourage you to develop problem-solving techniques you can apply to other areas in your life.

Wit & Delight

If you stretched yourself dangerously thin in 2016, prevent burnout by reinvesting in a passion project or exploring a new activity you’ve been wanting to try. True, you may not have more free time in 2017, but you can practice using what little free time you do have in a more rewarding way. The busier you are, the more important it is to calibrate. For this reason, we asked busy blogger, entrepreneur, and new mom Kate Arends of Wit & Delight to share some of the mantras and tips that motivate her to find time to practice her hobbies.

Her motto—“If it doesn’t scare me a little, I’m not terribly interested”—is one we can totally get behind.

With that in mind, consider going after a project or passion outside of your comfort zone. This year, Arends plans on making time for floral arranging; it’s relaxing, and it also helps her be more present and focused. To devote her full attention to her new hobby, keeping phones and devices out of reach is particularly important—except for her Fossil Q Smartwatch, which keeps her connected without the jarring distractions other tech accessories can create. Notifications pop up on the customizable watch face, making it simple to separate important alerts from the ones you want to save for later (all while creating the perfect bouquet).

January 14: Make a Gallery Wall Once and for All

Heidi's Bridge

If you’ve been feeling uninspired in your home lately, there’s a simple solution. Spice up your space by decorating those blank walls with a gallery of photos, illustrations, and pretty much anything else that can fit in a frame. While this may sound like a big project at first, it’s actually really easy if you know a few of these tricks. For instance, if you’re on a budget, hit up a local vintage store and scour their boxes for unique, cheap frames. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the finds you’ll score at an unassuming Salvation Army—and we’re speaking from personal experience.

The more diverse in shape, color, and style, the better (though you may want to bring a tape measure with you).

Once you have enough frames, go through your photo albums or old art you’ve been storing away. Putting these pieces in a new context will make them feel fresh again. Even something like an old embroidery project in a far off corner can be beautiful in the right collection. You can also see if your favorite Instagram artists sell prints online. Some of our favorites are @steph_angelis, @jooleeloren, and @gretchenroehers. Then, check out our tips for styling your gallery wall.

January 15:Learn a New Recipe for a Quick Meal

JH Interior Design

There’s nothing better than a warm homemade meal after a long day. It’s the perfect antidote to calm your nerves and relinquish any stress. But finding the time to prepare it (and the energy) is the challenging part. And for many of us, it’s simply a lack of confidence in the kitchen that prevents us from even trying. So if you’re a beginner, the key is taking baby steps and practicing your cooking skills with some easy recipes first. To get started, seek out those dishes that not only leave you feeling satisfied but also keep you healthy and don’t take up your whole night—try a few from this healthy roundup of quick weeknight recipes.

If you love dessert or prefer baking, then these sweet treats are deliciously simple. The best part about learning to cook, though, is the money you’ll save.

January 16: Nip Your Late Nights and Insomnia in the Bud

Kelli Murray

Whether you’re feeling run down or well rested after the holiday break, chances are you’ve experienced both the repercussions of a sleepless night as well as the healing powers of catching some z’s. It is the unsung hero of wellness rituals, after all. So when we asked illustrator and lifestyle blogger Kelli Murray about her goals for 2017, we weren’t surprised to see sleep at the top of her list. However, getting enough quality sleep is easier said than done, especially if you’re a working woman who also just resolved to have a well-rounded life.

But a hectic schedule is exactly why you should prioritize getting effective shut-eye: Sleep actually enables you to get more done in less time.

As a self-proclaimed night owl by nature, Murray relies on her foolproof wind-down ritual of decaf tea and good books. Another key ingredient to promoting healthy sleep habits is ensuring that your bedroom is a peaceful sanctuary. We suggest dimming the lights and keeping anything work-related out of your bedroom. If you’ve found a relaxing routine but still struggle to fall asleep quickly, try the 4-7-8 breathing trick, which is proven to help you fall asleep in under a minute.

Kelli Murray

Now that you’ve established a sleep routine, turn your focus on maintenance. To stick to a prescribed schedule, Murray suggests using the sleep tracker on the Fossil Q Hybrid Smartwatch (it also tracks your steps during the day—win-win), which alerts her when it’s time to turn in and tracks how many quality hours of snooze she gets. Training your body’s internal clock is the first step to maintaining your bedtime for the rest of 2017.

January 17: Make a Productivity- and Mood-Boosting Playlist

Melodie Jeng/Getty Images

Fact: Music alters mood. If you’ve ever listened to a sad song that unexpectedly made you feel better, you know what we’re talking about. Or maybe you’ve noticed that your pump up beat has the opposite impact on someone else. According to Toumas Eerola, a music cognition researcher at Durham University, music has the power to either boost, worsen, or regulate one’s temperament, so why not curate a few playlists for different occasions?

January 18: Beautify Your Bathroom

Catherine Kwong

Have you given your bathroom a refresh lately? When it comes to keeping your home clean, this is arguably the most important room to tidy up on a regular basis. Even better, if you consistently maintain a clean space, you won’t end up having to deal with that dreaded deep clean later. Start by vacuuming the floors, and then give them a good sweep. After that, you can use a Swiffer for the floors and wipe down surfaces and mirrors with lint-free towels.

Once you’ve done that, there are a few things you can do to make it easier to maintain. Stay organized with practical furniture like a corner étagère and hooks for your fresh towels. Investing in the right bathroom-friendly plant will also freshen things up. And it doesn’t hurt to keep a nice candle or organic room spray nearby to elevate the overall atmosphere.

January 19: Plan a Solo Day Trip to Get Some "Me" Time

Kelli Murray

After spending a ton of quality time with in-laws and friends over the holidays, we’re all ready for some quality time to ourselves. Don’t get us wrong; we love the spirit of togetherness, but a little time to decompress is necessary for even the most extroverted, and nothing says treat yourself like a solo trip. Experiencing the excitement and independence of traveling on your own is a rewarding challenge, particularly if you’ve never done it before. According to Psychology Today, getting some privacy will allow you to work through problems more effectively and enhance your relationships with others, among other benefits.

Kelli Murray

Lifestyle blogger and mom of two Kelli Murray suggests packing light, since “hauling around a ton of luggage is never easy when you’re on your own.” And as always, though most importantly when you’re on your own, think of safety first: “Make copies of important documents, like your passport and driver’s license; keep the copies on you and secure the originals somewhere in your hotel room,” Murray says.

Opt for a Fossil Q Hybrid Smartwatch that doesn’t need to be charged; that way you don’t have to worry about grappling with tangled ropes of USB cords taking up room in your luggage. The cushiest part? It’s totally okay to forget which time zone you’re in, because your smartwatch will remember it for you, automatically updating itself to the right time and place. This Fossil watch is the ideal smartwatch to travel with, because it keeps you connected and its understated style vibes so well with your travel outfit.

And a solo vacation doesn’t have to be an epic foreign trip. There are plenty of awesome day trips that are just as worthwhile. Think about booking an experience with more structure, like a wellness retreat, or burn off some steam on a hike, visit an aquarium to transport your mind, or even just relax at a matinée on a cold afternoon.

January 20: Quell Your Anxiety With Therapy-Based Tools

J Hannah Journal

If you’re having a high-stress day or you’ve been dealing with anxiety more consistently, commit to focusing on your mental health. Easier said than done, though, isn’t it? We often forget that anxiety is a very real beast with debilitating physiological manifestations. Light-headedness, fatigue, muscle tension… These are all likely suspects.

If they sound familiar, practice cognitive behavioral therapy–based tools to help alleviate the symptoms so you can cope better. Some CBT techniques include working against your negative thinking patterns by writing them down, challenging them, and then replacing them with positive ones. This kind of introspection is challenging, especially when you’re suffering from anxiety, but your improved outlook and mood make it worthwhile. And don’t forget to reward yourself for the little triumphs to make the habit easier to maintain.

You deserve it!

January 21: Treat Yourself to a Daily Pick-Me-Up

Joanne Pio

We all know the little things in life can make daily routines a lot more enjoyable. But when we promise to start taking better care of ourselves in the New Year, we often forget that this includes rewarding our hard work with special treats. If a healthier lifestyle has meant cutting back on refined sugars and processed foods, or you’ve been exercising regularly, make sure your good habits are sustainable by not being too rigid. If you haven’t felt the need to make any dietary shifts, treat yourself by pursuing more hobbies and participating in activities you’re passionate about.

Regardless of your interests and needs, just make sure to carve out some time for yourself. This could mean anything from splurging on a latte to indulging in a scoop of ice cream or watching a 20-minute episode of your favorite sitcom. You earned it!

January 22:Clean Out Your Closet

Nicole Cohen for MyDomaine

Given that the winter tundra outside has you piling on the layers, now’s the perfect time to edit your wardrobe and organize your closet. If you’re anything like us (slightly fashion obsessed) then the idea of a closet cleanout is a seriously daunting task. We get it. It’s so much more to you than just clothing. These special pieces mark important moments, but like anything in your life, the excess clutter can take over your life, both physically and emotionally—try these organization hacks to get thing started.

The first step is to dump it all out out in one place so you can sort through each piece.

Yes, everything. Then make piles of what you want and don’t want. If this terrifies you, then we suggest calling up the most ruthless anti-hoarder you know to help distinguish between the must-haves and the fillers. Once you’re done with the hard part, take the unwanted pile to a donation center and sell your beloved but outdated items to a secondhand store or on eBay. Then, organize the survivors by item type. This will prevent those wild goose chases for misplaced outfits that result in late arrivals to work and social events.

January 23: Reconnect With an Old Friend

Melodie Jeng/Getty Images

Keeping in touch with friends can be more rewarding than you think; social relationships impact everything, including mental health and overall mood. But it’s often hard to notice how much our friendships mean until there’s a lot of time and distance keeping us apart. Have you been falling short when it comes to keeping in touch with a loved one or a long-distance friend? Well, it’s not too late. Call them today. If you don’t have time, send yourself a reminder for tomorrow. And if a phone call is simply out of the question, send them something to show you care.

Even a small gesture will go a long way—tagging your friend in a funny Instagram post or sending her a text that says “thinking of you.” If you’ve been prioritizing your career at the expense of your social life, reflect on your local network, reach out, and see if they want to plan a day together.

January 24: Use These Hacks to Quit Working Overtime

Tessa Neustadt

Now that we’re back in the weekday groove, let’s talk career goals. We’re always looking for ways to enhance our focus and feel more creatively inspired while we’re on the clock. This requires hard work, and hard work requires time, which can quickly become overtime. While a few extra hours are unavoidable during busy periods, working more than 40 hours a week can have serious health consequences—even when you love your job. At MyDomaine HQ, we believe each facet of our life deserves attention, so let’s set some boundaries. If you need to stop staying late at the office, prioritize your work throughout the day. This means putting your phone on “do not disturb” mode so you can stay on task and setting an EOD alarm as a reminder to ditch your desk. Once you nail down these simple efficiency-boosting strategies, you’ll feel more balanced—we guarantee it. Plus, it’s a great way to practice your time-management skills.

January 25: Clear the Air With Indoor Plants

Elizabeth Roberts

Just because green is no longer the color of the year (hello, Ultra Violet), doesn’t mean you can’t still honor its symbolism of longevity, health, natural beauty, and energy. If you don’t anticipate a major remodel or paint job at home, you can honor the same sentiments by bringing in some literal greenery instead. Bursting with personality and color, indoor plants can enliven an entire room. Better yet, they offer some convincing health benefits. For cleaner air, opt for aloe vera, peace lilies, and bromeliads.

January 26: Create New Traditions With Loved Ones

Julia Robbs

Now more than ever, it’s important to spend time with our loved ones while doing things we’re passionate about. But interests vary and spare time are limited, so how do you make room for both? Explore your own hobbies while also packing in quality time with your favorite people by taking turns teaching each other something you value. If you’re a parent who loves art, then bring your kids to a local ceramics studio to get creative. Maybe you prefer outdoor activities like camping, rock climbing, or walking through botanical gardens.

Or perhaps that’s your worst nightmare, and you’d rather go play with animals at a nearby shelter or spend the day watching movies.

We think the kitchen is one of the best places to bring people together, so if you enjoy baking, make a new dessert recipe with the whole family. Consider gathering a wine tasting crew (adults only, of course), spearhead a book club, go to a flea market, offer to transform your living room into a makeshift salon, or simply initiate a conversation about something important… We’re a bottomless cauldron of low-touch, affordable bonding activities, so we could brew up playdate ideas forever. The goal is to find connections in the face of differences and to make meaningful memories with the people who matter.

Ready, set, bond.

January 27: Limit Your Texting or Try a Social Media Cleanse

Fashion Me Now

Likeable and successful people have something in common; they’re present. Consider this scenario: You’ve sorted through your inbox and made it halfway through the urgent emails, so you check your phone. Seven text conversations and 20 minutes later, you ping your co-worker a funny meme. Next thing you know, you’ve missed a deadline… Oops. Then that evening, you’re catching up with friends over dinner. But since you didn’t have time to respond to all your work-related emails earlier, you’re catching up now (which annoys everyone at the table).

Don’t get us wrong—there’s definitely a time and place to use your devices and all (nay, some) of the social platforms they offer. But if you want to be more productive during the workday, delete distracting apps from your phone and put it in Do Not Disturb mode. This lets your frequent texters know you’re unavailable at work. Since this allows you to be more efficient, you’ll also be more present when you’re with them. The motto: Stay on task, one task at a time, to harness your presence.

January 28: Revamp Your Home and Devise a Chore Chart

Reid Rolls for MyDomaine

Looking forward to curling up at home with some comfort food and a solid movie session this weekend? Well, we fully support you in that choice. Giving yourself a day to lounge around is the perfect way to reboot for the week ahead. Just make sure your home environment supports your well-being so you can get the most out of it. Of course, this can be a little tricky if you have housemates (especially when you don’t mesh with their interior décor style), but the good news is you don’t need to buy anything new to turn your home into a sanctuary.

Instead, make little adjustments like rearranging furniture and improving the overall ambience with the right lighting.

These décor hacks will freshen the place up without a major overhaul. Sometimes a change of scenery just means flipping a sofa around, switching up your throw pillows, lighting a scented candle, and swapping out your coffee table books. Finally, consider setting up a chore chart. Why? It’s important to maintain an environment that promotes healthy living, and this means keeping it clutter-free and clean. Also, if you have flatmates, a chore chart helps to split up the cleaning responsibilities and prevent conflict. If you live alone, just come up with a routine that works for you and then put it on the fridge so you remember to stay on schedule.

January 29: Explore a New Part of Town

Natalie Off Duty

Has your routine been feeling stale? While consistent rituals can provide us with meaningful structure, it’s also important to break up the monotony of everyday life. Yep, the pathology of boredom is a real thing. A great way to do this is by getting out of your comfort zone vis-à-vis traveling. If you don’t have the time nor money to take a trip around the globe, doing something closer to home can be just as profound. If you live in a city, it’s as simple as exploring a new neighborhood. First, hop on a bus or ride your bike to an unfamiliar area.

Then spend the day walking through the side streets, eating at adventurous restaurants (order something you’ve never tried if you’re feeling extra brave), and checking out the unique shops. Consider heading into a nearby city if you don’t live in an urban environment. We promise, doing something outside of your ordinary lifestyle and leaving room for spontaneity might be the refresh you need.

January 30: Streamline Important Tasks

Melodie Jeng/Getty Images

Do you get a pit in your stomach when we bring up things like filing tax returns and remembering to schedule medical appointments? We do too. But those pits in our stomachs are also just our brains letting us know that we need to prioritize these tasks. Besides, the longer we put them off, the more anxiety they cause. And as tedious as they are, they’re crucial to our health and financial stability. So let’s do the tedious tasks together, right now. If you can’t do it right now, then set a reminder on your phone to do it later today.

Here’s the checklist for being a responsible adult (of course, only do the ones that apply to you): Schedule any necessary medical appointments, make a shopping list to bring to the supermarket and/or go to the pharmacy, file your tax returns, go over your car and health insurance policies, and make sure your January bills are paid. It’ll be a nightmare of an hour, but when it’s done, it’s done. Now you can take a deep breath, de-stress, and enjoy yourself. You deserve it.

January 31: Revisit Your Journal to Set Long-Term Goals

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As January comes to a close, revisit your journal entry from January 1. If you journaled about your intentions for the year or just made a rough to-do list, ask yourself how each daily resolution contributed to your overall progress. Consider this month a trial run to experiment and discover new routines, mindsets, and activities that empower you and make you feel like your best self. Once you’ve identified what worked well, you can set your long-term goals accordingly. So whether you’ve discovered a stress-management routine that quells your anxiety, found an organization to volunteer with, conquered your insomnia, or landed a new hobby, make sure that you commit to engaging them on a consistent basis.

The best way to do so is by following the SMART goal guide while you set your long-term resolutions.

See the checklist below to set SMART goals you can actually achieve. Your goals should be: